Haute Holidays: 5 Perfect Outfits to Get You Through the Holiday Party Circuit

by Amber Dorsey

The holiday season is in full swing and if you’re anything like us, your mailbox and inbox are full of holiday party invites of all kinds. ‘Tis the season to get festive! Who doesn’t love a reason to dress up in their sparkly best and revel in the merriment.


But all the invitations likely leads to staring into the closet, looking for something to wear or a last minute dash to the mall to settle for something you don’t really love. I’m saving you time (and perhaps some money, which you’re going to need for that Uber ride home) by showing you five fabulous outfits to get you through your holiday party circuit!

Neighborhood Bash

Whether it’s with the PTA or the HOA, serve up some sleek glam for the annual holiday bash. A shimmering sheath, bold lips and simple accessories pull the look together.


Vera Wang brown dress / BCBGMAXAZRIA black sandals / Ted Baker crossbody purse / Madewell bracelet / Kate Spade stud earrings / Nars Cosmetics

Work Party

No matter if it’s yours or your significant others, you definitely want to standout at the work party but not so much so that you’re the focus of water cooler gossip for the rest of the week. Dark stockings keep the legs warm and a shimmering scoop neck sheath is festive without being too fussy.

French Connection embellished dress/ SPANX lined tights / Christian Louboutin black suede shoes / Emm Kuo snakeskin purse / Kate Spade earrings / Madewell vintage jewellery / NARS Cosmetics moisturizing lipstick, / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics holiday nail polish

Cocktail Party

Get out of the dress rut and spice things up with sequin shorts. The scalloped hem provides a fresh take on a classic color combo. Plus, these knee high boots and tights keep it seasonal and sassy.

Totême white tank / Phase Eight black peplum jacket/ SPANX lined tights / Parisian slim fit shorts/ Steve Madden suede knee high boots/ Anya Hindmarch glitter purse / J Crew bangle bracelet set / Stella Dot jewelry / Chain pendant / NARS Cosmetics gold nail color/ Chanel lipstick

Formal

If given the opportunity to super glam it up – go big or go home! A floor length sequin gown with a flattering neckline in a jewel toned hue is both festive and flirty. A great combination for a bit of holiday merriment under the mistletoe!

Phase Eight party dress / Carvela Kurt Geiger strap sandals / Inge Christopher chain handle handbag / Vince Camuto jewelry / Monsoon crystal stud earrings / NARS Cosmetics lipstick

Hosting At Home

The lady of the house should be effortlessly chic, so go for laid-back elegance in a sleek turtleneck or body suit and midi skirt. We like both a bold full skirt or sequin pencil skirt for a seasonal pop of sparkle.


Joseph black turtleneck / TIBI brown skirt / By Malene Birger pencil skirt/ GUESS shoes / Christian Louboutin pumps / Black and white diamond jewelry / Yves Saint Laurent dangle earrings/ White bracelet / Michael Kors bracelet / Stella Dot bib statement necklace / Stella Dot long necklace / Bobbi Brown nail polish

Wild Card

There’s always one party that you don’t plan for, or score a last minute invite to that makes you ask, “What to wear? What to wear?” Well, bring on more sequins! Keep things fun with a sparkly crop top, midi-length party skirt in a bold color, and strappy heels. Minimal accessories and a semi-nude lip help your outfit take center stage.

H&M short sleeve crop top / SKOT Apparel skirt / Jimmy Choo metallic sandals / Henri Bendel purse / Madewell vintage bangle / Stella Dot bracelets bangle / Stella Dot earrings / Christian Dior lips makeup
Amber Dorsey is a writer, stylist and makeup artist living in Southern California with her husband and two crazy kids. When she’s not tapping away at the computer she can be found scouring the aisles of Michael’s plotting her next Pinspired project or in the kitchen perfecting her margarita making techniques. She also writes at From Carpools to Cocktails